2022.02.09 PGAC Meeting

PGAC Meeting Recap: February 9, 2022 – Parks, Greenway & Arts Committee

The Parks, Greenway & Arts Committee (PGAC) convened on February 9, 2022, to discuss a range of topics impacting our parks, greenways, and arts initiatives. The meeting focused heavily on the Silver Line Park project, budget considerations, and exploring opportunities to enhance our community spaces. No formal votes were taken during the meeting, but several key decisions and action items emerged that will shape our parks system in the coming months.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Silver Line Park, tentatively scheduled for early April. Committee members discussed how to best promote the event through press releases and social media, emphasizing the importance of securing a date that accommodates key stakeholders like Woodfin town officials. Ryan has volunteered to lead the internal public relations efforts and plan the ceremony, with committee support for editing materials and disseminating information.

Beyond the immediate celebration, a major discussion revolved around the escalating costs associated with Silver Line Park. Initial estimates have increased by an anticipated $2.8 million, raising concerns about the timing of presenting these revised cost estimates to the Board of Commissioners and ensuring sufficient time for review. Luke will coordinate with Eric to share these estimates, though the precise timeline remains under discussion. The committee also touched upon potential future additions to our parks, including a boat ramp and pavilion, acknowledging the significant cost implications associated with such projects.

Beyond Silver Line Park, the committee explored other avenues for enhancing our parks system. A promising development is the identification of a volunteer historian who could potentially develop interpretive signage for our parks, highlighting local history. The committee agreed to explore this possibility further, which could provide valuable educational resources for residents and visitors alike. Discussions also confirmed that existing town ordinances adequately address alcohol use in parks, and the ongoing concerns regarding skateboard ramps were noted for future consideration.

Finally, Eric provided an update on funding strategies, emphasizing the ongoing conversations with potential funders and highlighting that cost estimates will be presented to the committee before any decisions are made. This proactive approach underscores a commitment to responsible financial management and exploring all available funding options for our parks and greenways.

What's Next?

Several key action items will be pursued in the coming weeks:

• Luke and Ryan will finalize updates to the town's brand manual.
• Luke will coordinate with Ryan and other stakeholders to finalize plans for the Silver Line Park ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• Luke and Eric will meet with the volunteer historian to discuss potential signage projects.
• Luke, Eric, and town staff will work together to share cost estimates with the Board of Commissioners before their February 22nd meeting.
• Luke will investigate a potential easement acquisition and explore relocating a Little Free Library from Riverside Park to Silver Line.

This meeting demonstrated the PGAC's dedication to improving our parks and recreational spaces while carefully considering budgetary constraints. Residents can expect further updates on the Silver Line Park project, potential historical signage initiatives, and ongoing efforts to secure funding for future park improvements.